Friday, May 26, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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SERVICES

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HELP WANTED

IMMEDIATE HIRE, International company, with over 25 years
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WANTED- 10 HOMES In your county needing METAL
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COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed
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Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit
$200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

FOR RENT: Quiet country living, 10 miles north of air
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The 41st Airlift Squadron loaded up with crews from the 61st Airlift Squadron, the 34th Training Squadron, maintainers and equipment into two C-130Js for a week of training in Edmonton, Canada.

The Royal Canadian Air Force, along with the 3rd Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, teamed up with the 19th Airlift Wing to participate in Canadian exercise Fanatic Pegasus which offered unique opportunities with our international partners and access to mountainous terrain and weather not found in Arkansas.

“The goal of participating in Fanatic Pegasus was to validate and build U.S. and Canada tactical airlift interoperability,” said Capt. Michael Sadler, 41st Airlift Squadron Director of Staff. “The expeditionary scenario was put in place to better prepare our forces for future combined operations.”

Little Rock Air Force Base squadrons routinely support operations all over the world. Participating in another countries exercise allowed the crews to have a whole new perspective in Combat Airlift.

“Even though we fly the same aircraft, there are a multitude of ways to employ this weapon system, and it was an incredible chance to see how our joint partners utilize the C-130J,” said 1st Lt. Alexander Randall, 41st Airlift Squadron C-130J Pilot. “They have experience pushing this weapon system to its limit in an environment we don’t get see too often. Flying together through the mountains while practicing airdrops was challenging, but rewarding; it cultivated a sense of confidence and respect in each country’s abilities, and the unique capabilities each of us can bring to the fight.”

The Canadians offered many unique challenges that expanded each of the 19th Airlift Wing’s crews skill set.

“Each country has its own set of tactics, techniques and procedures,” Sadler said. “This exercise provided us with a unique opportunity to incorporate each other’s methods of employing the C-130J. Additionally, it facilitated an opportunity to improve our interoperability with our Canadian partners, allowing us to evaluate and possibly incorporate each other’s methods in future operations.”

Despite challenges such as language barriers, weather delays and mission execution differences, the training was a success.

“Initial difficulties included the pre-mission communication, such as approval of a Foreign Jumper waiver which required Air Mobility Command’s approval,” Sadler said. “We needed to work through a training plan with the RCAF to ensure each unit was getting the most out of the exercise and we were all on the same page.”

As the training continued through the week, all personnel involved gained a better understanding of each other’s mission effectiveness.

“You can’t brief too much on the ground,” Randall said. “We found that while much of the terminology we used was the same, the execution varied slightly. The flights led to a great discussion of ideas and concepts that we can use to streamline interoperability in the future.”

The discussions that occurred throughout these unique exercises became invaluable and continuing to maintain a working rapport with Canadian forces is crucial to the success of future combined operations.

The aircrews performed low-level tactical flying, transported equipment and personnel while also navigating the Canadian Rockies.

“These opportunities can be rare,” Sadler said. “We need to ensure we’re taking advantage of and getting the most out of each event that allows us to interoperate with one of our strongest allies.”

A recent collision challenged the structural Airmen to perform a higher-level repair that would make an aircraft serviceable 270 days ahead of schedule.

Their task was to create a leading edge for a horizontal stabilizer from scratch, using Little Rock AFB resources and saving the base thousands of dollars in repairs.

The leading edge is the front section of the C-130J back wing. It’s a vital piece that allows aircraft to keep its lift during flight.

“This one was challenging because the horizontal stabilizer doesn’t usually get hit,” Duffin said. “It’s harder to fix because it’s more compressed then the wing.”

Due to the uncommon damage, ordering a replacement part would’ve taken more than 250 days and cost over $150,000.

Despite the obstacle, the Airmen used their ingenuity and initiative to build the essential piece and saved Little Rock AFB $127,000.

“We patched the outer layer of the structure and completely remade the inner-skin of the part that allows gas to come through and keeps the wing from icing over,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Lahey, 19th AMXS Aircraft Structural Maintenance craftsman. “We’ve never done anything to that shape or that radius before which was challenging until we got the proper tools made from the Aircraft Metals Technology shop.”

The structural Airmen worked closely with metals technology, employing their resources and manpower to create new tools and strengthen the structural integrity of the newly overhauled part.

Through a shared dedication for their work and 504 manhours, the technicians restored the leading edge of a once unserviceable aircraft.

Friday, May 19, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

WANTED - 10 HOMES In your county needing METAL
ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS For Our before and after brochure. Offer good for
brick, frame or mobile homes. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. We are opening a branch
office and will be using these homes for our 2017 brochure. No money down
financing. Payments *$89/Mo. *Free estimates. Senior/Military discounts. *wac.
CALL NOW!! 866-668-8681.**

SERVICES

ETHEL’S EDUCATIONAL Express Child Development Center is
now accepting new enrollments and all vouchers. Summer School Program...Hurry,
before all openings are taken. Call Ethel at (501) 241-1172 or (501) 747-8713
today!

HELP WANTED

IMMEDIATE HIRE, International company, with over 25 years
in business, has 10-15 openings in local office. We are looking to expand our
operations and need people to help advertise for our company. No experience
needed. $350-$725 week to start. Call for interview, (501) 605-1303.

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed
pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace.
Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit
$200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

HOUSE FOR Lease/Purchase, Family home in NLR - Lakewood,
1952 sf, 3 BR/3 FB, ranch style home w/recent updates including laminate/tile,
paint and new roof! Large, fully fenced backyard w/covered deck and carport,
perfect for a boat! All contracts will be for lease w/option to purchase.
$1,475 mo. Please call (870) 918-5327 for more information.

FOR RENT: Quiet country living, 10 miles north of air
base, 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, attached garage, new throughout, large deck, large
yard, pets negotiable. Call for info. (501) 733-5712 or (501) 413-9128.

HOUSES FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL HOME in Cabot! Please see full ad w/pics on
MilitaryByOwner.com, search by MBO402659. Call or email us before it’s gone!

MOBILE HOMES

Have a title to your Car, Boat, or Mobile home? Get a new
home with any trade-in! Call 501-653-3205.**

Military life can be challenging. From moving every couple of years to adjusting to a new environment, staying organized may seem impossible.

Without proper planning, keeping track of daily tasks may become difficult and could result in missing objectives.

“Organization is important because it allows you to plan and exercise control over what you’re going to accomplish,” said Sharon Thompson, Airman & Family Readiness Center chief. “It gives you more power over your time.”

Staying on top of a schedule doesn’t have to be daunting. With these five tips it’s possible to make organization a way of life:

1. Use a to-do list to take control of your projects and tasks.

2. Free up time by focusing on important goals and say no to optional low-priority requests.

3. Make a list of things that steal your time and sabotage your goals and work on eliminating them.

4. Spend time at the beginning of the week planning your schedule to increase your productivity and balance long-term projects with urgent tasks.

5. Use time management to track, organize and prioritize your work and develop plans.

“Being proactive by organizing your workspace and writing down what needs to be accomplished can go a long way,” said Kori Ramirez, A&FRC community readiness consultant. “It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, just five minutes.”

If getting started seems difficult, the A&FRC has classes available to get a jumpstart, such as Time Management and Goal Setting.

“Try out different organization methods,” Ramirez said. “Some people like using programs on their phones, others like writing things down; do what works for you and what you’re going to be consistent with.”

For more information about organizational classes, contact the A&FRC at 501- 987-2667.

“I was one mistake away from being a civilian,” said Staff Sgt. Keith Debose, 19th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor. “I had a poor attitude and received paperwork, left and right. Before I even arrived at my first duty station, I was labeled a bad Airman.”

Airmen who have poor outlooks early on in their careers often don’t make it far in the Air Force, especially those with paper trails indicating shortfalls and misconduct.

Few Airmen know this better than Debose, a Kansas City native who began his military service as a public health technician in Minot, North Dakota.

“I wanted to do a combat-oriented job, but I ended up in an administrative hospital job; it was depressing for me,” Debose said.

However, the mismatched job wasn’t Debose’s only concern.

Early in his career, he got into trouble after a friend stole items from a store during their time in technical training together. To some, Debose was guilty by association. After the incident and backlash, he put less emphasis on his Air Force service.

“I was barely skating by,” he said. “I showed up late, had poor customer service and didn’t listen to feedback.”

Knowing that public health was not the right fit, Debose dedicated his time as an augmentee in other Air Force career fields hoping to find direction and an Air Force specialty he could excel in. He volunteered to work physically intensive jobs such as security forces and civil engineering. Slowly, Debose garnered respect from his peers for his hard work.

“I became more pleasant to work with, cleaned up my act and even showed up to work early,” Debose said. “My supervisor was one of the biggest reasons for my transformation. She believed in me and put in the effort to see me change.”

Something clicked with Debose after a discussion with his supervisor.

“She explained how my actions reflected on her and others around me,” he said. “I realized it wasn’t just about me. I saw that she believed in me even though other people didn’t understand why she kept putting in effort to help me and thought it was a waste of time.”

After changing his perspective, things began to change for Debose.

“One of my first milestones was making below-the-zone and being promoted early,” Debose said. “Not long after that, I received orders to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.”

Debose became responsible for the care of thousands of personnel coming into and heading out of the international base.

“It was a high operations tempo, and I had major responsibilities while I was there,” Debose said. “While in Korea, I learned that my first supervisor from Minot passed away. It was rough on me, but I knew I had to become more mission focused and work harder at everything because of how she fought for me.”

Debose went on to win multiple awards for his hard work in South Korea. But his time there eventually came to a close, and his next assignment was to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

Debose worked for two months at his new assignment when he received the news that he was selected to become an Airman Leadership School instructor.

The ALS at Little Rock AFB educates hundreds of Airmen each year on how to be professional war-fighters who can supervise and lead Air Force work teams to support the employment of airpower.

“I laughed when I first found out,” Debose said. “I didn’t think I was the type to be a professional military education instructor or that I would enjoy it at all.”

He soon discovered he was wrong.

“I love my job now,” he said. “Noncommissioned officers are the backbone of the Air Force, and we are the machine that makes NCOs. I am always learning from the students; it’s very humbling.”

Debose offers a unique perspective to his students, and his leadership has taken notice.

Debose says he gives 100 percent to all of his students, in hopes that they will ultimately pay it forward.

“I’ve learned that if you take care of people, then the mission will take care of itself,” he said. “If you rehabilitate just one person, then that has the potential to multiply and impact others exponentially.”

That’s exactly what Debose plans to do during his remaining time instructing future leaders of the Air Force. His resilience has not only ensured his own success but the potential prosperity of countless future leaders.

“I’m willing to be that person who fights for someone, like my supervisor did for me,” Debose said. “I’ve learned that if you invest in your career, you will get the chance to make a difference.”

Airmen from a wide spectrum of career fields integrated during a multi-day exercise to test special operations and conventional warfare capabilities May 1-5.

Pilots and Weapons System Officers from the 29th Weapons Squadron from Little Rock Air Force Base and the 77th Weapons Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, worked with Special Tactics combat controllers and special operations Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from 24th Special Operations Wing from Hurlburt Field, Florida. Together, they exercised capabilities learned during the course of their studies and work as a cohesive unit, which enhances the multidomain command and control capability.

“The 29th Weapons Squadron takes the best C-130 pilots and navigators and trains them to be leaders in Air Mobility Command as well as the instructors of instructors for the C-130 community,” said Maj. Christopher Casler, 29th WPS Director of Staff. “To be selected you have to be an experienced instructor pilot and also have tactical flying experience.”

Approximately six students spend six months trying to obtain the 29th WPS patch and become tactical experts of the C-130 community.

The course is filled with academics on assets available in the military arsenal to include missiles, bombs, fighter tactics and anything else related to combat. This is followed by four flying phases: defensive maneuvering, airdrop and air land, theatre employment and the capstone of the course, integration with the rest of the air components.

“A weapons officer can coordinate the complex missions taking place (in the battle space), and our students are getting a glimpse of the coordination that it takes to get the full mission executed successfully,” Casler said.

The training week at Dyess AFB offered a small step toward the integration phase of weapons school. The most relevant ideal instructors want to convey is opening the students’ eyes on the different resources and weapons platforms available, not just the C-130 or what they are most comfortable with.

“We want to create the best instructors to teach the rest of the C-130 core and to do that they need a perspective that is much bigger to see where we fit in during the bigger battle,” Casler said. “The long term goal is to create leaders in the Air Force from the C-130 community who can understand more than the Mobility Air Force.”

The training mission began with a B-1B Lancer clearing targets at the destined airfield preparing the battle space for a special tactics global access team conducting a high-altitude low-opening military free fall jump into the battle space followed by three C-130Js postured for a hypothetical resupply of ammunition.

Once the operators touched down, they simulated moving to objectives as C-130 were postured to provide resupply and the B-1B Lancer crews positioned themselves to provide close air support to the ground team.

“Our main objective is to integrate the 77th and 29th WPS with special operations for real-world contingency ops,” said a Special Tactics Airman from the 24th SOW.

All three entities contributed their capabilities to enhance understanding of each mission-design series in order to best support combatant commanders.

“The students learn that communication is key, if all three agencies don’t communicate we would have a lot of conflict, everyone could do their job correctly and still not achieve the overall mission,” Casler said.

The goal of this level of training is to create a group of pilots, WSOs and operators who can take theory and strategically plan the potential action – in either a conventional or asymmetrical warfare environment – that will be needed or used to resolve a conflict or challenge.

Many Airmen – enlisted and commissioned – enter the Air Force at young ages. Right out of the gate, new troops are trusted with immense responsibilities.

These responsibilities, no matter how large or small they may be, play a role in shaping our Airmen’s work ethic. Their work ethic reflects their loyalty and devotion to the Air Force.

Staff Sgt. Tommy Duncan, 19th Security Forces K-9 trainer, is an example of an Airman who’s had great responsibilities entrusted to him, ultimately shaping the type of Airman he is today.

Imagine multiple families gathering around an airport gate, eagerly awaiting their loved ones arrival with welcome home signs decorated with American flags. The first group of Airmen emerge and embrace their families.

Tommy walks out of the gate with his military working dog Ricsi, and sees his wife. In that moment, while Tommy wants nothing more to hug his family, he must complete his mission to get Ricsi home. After passing Ricsi to the waiting handler and completing the transfer paperwork, Tommy was able to reunite with his family.

While deployed, Tommy volunteered to lead a project that would rebuild the kennels. The goal of the project was to boost the quality of life for the military working dogs. By volunteering to see the $1 million project to completion, Tommy extended his six-month deployment to eight months.

For nearly a year, Tommy and Ricsi spent every single waking moment together. While they were deployed, Ricsi gave Tommy care and protection. Now Tommy felt he owed his partner the same by making sure his dog’s needs were met before his own even while travelling.

Tommy couldn’t just check into a hotel and sleep until his next flight. For each layover, Tommy had to kennel Ricsi and check in every four hours.

Tommy and Ricsi stopped four times before returning to Little Rock; taking them a week to return home. Most redeployers take about four days.

Upon arriving, Tommy chose to walk past his family, friends and coworkers. He chose to walk past his wife, whom he had left after being married for two months. He chose to place their precious reunion on hold so he could complete his duty and care for Ricsi as he had cared for him.

Tommy’s commitment to his mission demonstrates Service Before Self, a vital Air Force core value. Tommy and many other Airmen joined an organization to be part of something bigger than themselves. Their selfless dedication and sacrifice to this organization makes me proud to lead and serve with these Airmen.

Our Airmen learn a variety of skills throughout the Air Force. Along with their skills, they gain and practice a superb work ethic that contributes to the world’s greatest Air Force, an Air Force driven by our Airmen. It is that work ethic, forged through responsibilities and dedication that our Airmen bring with them as they go on to accomplish great things across the globe.

Friday, May 12, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

ETHEL’S EDUCATIONAL Express Child Development Center is
now accepting new enrollments and all vouchers. Summer School Program...Hurry,
before all openings are taken. Call Ethel at (501) 241-1172 or (501) 747-8713
today!

HELP WANTED

IMMEDIATE HIRE, International company, with over 25 years
in business, has 10-15 openings in local office. We are looking to expand our
operations and need people to help advertise for our company. No experience
needed. $350-$725 week to start. Call for interview, (501) 605-1303.

DRIVERS- HELP WANTED - TRUCK DRIVERS- ATTN: OTR Drivers!
Looking for a great new opportunity? Great home time, Great starting pay, and
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AUCTIONS

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AUCTION FRIDAY MAY 19, 2017. 350
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Harrison St is currently vacant. It has 13,356 sq ft and the roof has recently
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INFORMATION, TERMS, DETAILS & PICTURES www.RonnieGayAuctions.com.
870-613-0387 AALB593.**

WANTED- 10 HOMES In your county needing METAL
ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS For Our before and after brochure. Offer good
for brick, frame or mobile homes. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. We are opening a
branch office and will be using these homes for our 2017 brochure. No money
down financing. Payments *$89/Mo. *Free estimates. Senior/Military discounts.
wac CALL NOW!! 866-668-8681.**

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed
pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace. Includes
appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit $200. No
children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

HOUSE FOR Lease/Purchase, Family home in NLR - Lakewood,
1952 sf, 3 BR/3 FB, ranch style home w/recent updates including laminate/tile,
paint and new roof! Large, fully fenced backyard w/covered deck and carport,
perfect for a boat! All contracts will be for lease w/option to purchase.
$1,475 mo. Please call (570) 918-5327 for more information.

Brittany Boccher, Armed Forces Insurance 2017 Air Force Spouse of the year, has many roles and fulfills them with passion.

“I work harder now than I’ve ever worked in a paid position,” Boccher said. “I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing, and it’s something that I love. It’s a lot of hours and sleepless nights, but it’s worth every minute and it’s an honor to be able to do it.”

Boccher and her husband, Adam, Office of Special Investigations agent, have two children: their daughter, Harper, and their son, Blake.

In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, Boccher also serves as Little Rock AFB Spouse’s Club president and the founder of the Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition. In addition to being named AFI’s Air Force Spouse of the Year, she was recognized as AFI’s 2017 Top 18 Base-Level Spouses of the Year and named Little Rock AFB Spouse of the Year two years in a row. Boccher is also in the running for AFI’s 2017 Spouse of the Year, a service-wide competition.

“I’m passionate about two things,” Boccher said. “That’s being a military spouse and about the special needs community within the military.”

In 2015, Boccher gave birth to her son who was born with Down syndrome. His birth motivated her to become an advocate for Down syndrome.

“When my son was about a year old, I took him to the playground with my daughter and saw that he couldn’t do anything,” Boccher said. “He was unable to swing and unable to climb on anything. I spoke to the appropriate people and now, six months later, we have a special needs therapeutic swing on the playground.”

More ideas kept coming to Boccher; she saw more changes could be made on base for special needs families.

“I realized that shopping on and off base is difficult for families with special needs children,” Boccher said. “When they’re older and can’t fit in the cart, you’re either pushing the shopping cart or a stroller or trying to juggle both.”

Boccher partnered with the base commissary to get a Caroline’s Cart, a special needs shopping cart, which fits from youth up to an adult-sized individual.

“I feel like these changes will not only benefit the 400 families registered in the Exceptional Family Member Program, but all families,” Boccher said.

Boccher’s main goal is to see a therapeutic swing and a Caroline’s Cart offered at all U.S. Air Force Bases.

Boccher even made make changes within the community by creating the Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition.

“The goal of the coalition is to work together with other Down syndrome organizations with the vision of establishing a Gigi’s Playhouse to central Arkansas,” Boccher said.

Gigi’s Playhouse is a resource facility for people with Down syndrome. Even though the facility is tailored for individuals with Down syndrome, it’s open to all individuals with disabilities.

Due to her achievements here, Boccher won the 2016 Little Rock AFB Spouse of the Year award. As a result, she was the choice for president of the Little Rock AFB Spouse’s Club.

Boccher and her board members put the club back on the map by boosting club awareness and gaining 90 members. The Club has participated in fundraising projects such as Stuff the Pantry and Operation Homefront Backpack Brigade. They have also raised approximately $15,000 for scholarships, which they will distribute in May.

Boccher’s passion for helping spouses comes from her own experience when she became a military spouse 12 years ago.

“At first, I dug my feet into the military life,” Boccher said. “I didn’t want to move and leave my family, friends and job. I felt thrusted into a life that I really didn’t know. I find it so important to mentor new spouses and help them embrace this life and the opportunities the military affords.”

In between being a Down syndrome advocate and the spouse’s club, Boccher plays her most important role as a mother.

“The rest of the time, I’m mom,” Boccher said. “I’m cleaning, cooking and playing Barbies with my daughter then it’s midnight. I call the end of the day and the next thing I know six o’clock rolls around then I’m doing it all over again. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

The 2017 Military Spouse of the Year will be announced May 12. Until then, Boccher will continue to play her many roles as a mother, wife, business-owner and an advocate and while striving to make a difference.

“Imagine running around in a storm, not knowing what to do or what’s going on,” said Staff Sgt. Peter Beyer, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “For some people, that’s what starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training might feel like, but if you trust in your instructors and your peers, you’ll soon learn how to take cover from the storm.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, is a submission-based martial art focused on groundwork and grappling. While it can be challenging, it can also lead to an overwhelming sense of confidence and physical ability.

Beyer and his wife Letia Eclavea, University of Maryland University College student, share a passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and host free training classes Monday through Thursday at the Fitness Center on Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

Beyer has trained in BJJ for seven years, acquiring a purple belt in the martial art. His technique is methodic and his instruction is as calm as his persona.

However growing up in Hawaii, he often found himself grappling with unwanted confrontation.

“I fought a lot when I was younger,” Beyer said. “I was bullied, and I always stepped in for others who were too. I won and lost fights until I got to a point where I needed to learn how to defend myself properly.”

Beyer eventually joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. While living in the dormitories, he attended a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class where he not only fell in love with the craft, but also with a charismatic girl from Guam.

Eclavea, a vibrant Guamanian gold medalist, began her passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a bucket list item. Initially thinking she would try it once or twice, the humbling experience captivated her from the start.

“It gave me a sense of humility,” Eclavea said. “I walked in my first day thinking I was better than people who had been doing it for way longer. But every single time someone beat me, I was humbled.”

Now a 16-time gold medalist who has competed in various tournaments and world trials, Enclavea dedicates her time to train others with her equally committed husband.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches technique over strength and power,” Beyer said. “It teaches that even if you are a small guy, you can beat a bigger opponent. It’s almost like a maze. Sometimes you’ll run into a dead end, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There is always another way around.”

They also teach life skills their students can apply both on and off the mat. The due teaches others how to control their anger, not to take things personally and to let life take its course while having a positive attitude.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stimulates the mind, body and spirit while creating social bonds which strengthen the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. CAF is a program built to sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community through mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.

“It definitely helps you become more resilient,” Beyer said. “You get beat up sometimes, but you just have to keep coming back. A lot of people develop a drive, especially service members who are always striving to get to the next rank or complete training. It’s a really good challenge for those who are driven in their military career.”

Beyer and Eclavea instruct and train as a team, providing an uplifting atmosphere filled with music and hands on instruction.

“Our main purpose for the class is to create a family environment and to open up a program where people can have an outlet to relieve stress, have fun and get them out of their dorms,” Eclavea said.

Classes are free and available to everyone from 6—7:30 p.m., Monday—Thursday in the Fitness Center racquetball room.

Airmen of the 96th Aerial Port Squadron triumphantly returned from participating in the 2017 Air Force Reserve Command Port Dawg Challenge at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia. The competition ran from April 25-27 and ended with the 96 APS becoming the first aerial port squadron to be a repeat winner since the competition started in 2010.

The 96th APS placed first in four of the events, scored near the top in others and even had team member, Staff Sgt. Malcolm Moe, recognized for the best team spirit by Brig. Gen. John Hickok, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command deputy director of logistics, engineering and force protection.

The 96th APS leadership selected the 2017 PDC team. Interested Airmen had to submit applications that demonstrated general skills in their career field, specific qualifications for events, availability and a strong desire to win.

“Success begins inside each team member,” said Master Sgt. Morgan Abner team leader. “Knowledge can be gained throughout the process of training, but without the will to learn as much as they can, the individual will not help as much as the team needs.”

Since all six team members are traditional Reservists, who train together only one weekend every month, the emphasis on desire was important.

“We practiced for the past six months during unit training assembly weekends, and had a week before the competition to come on base and train more diligently, without interruptions,” Abner said. “But, the team members had to stay vigilant and determined to better themselves while they are away from the unit and base. One of the events at the PDC tested all team members’ knowledge about everything from general procedures, Air Force history and Air Force Reserve information. This information alone took more time to be proficiently studied than we are allotted.”

While studying as individuals and training as a 6-person team was important, Lt. Col. Jason Sheridan, 96th APS commander, was quick to recognize the other individuals and organizations that contributed to his team’s success.

“Master Sgt. Abner did an outstanding job ensuring the team was prepared to execute, even before the competition started,” said Sheridan. “But, I’d also like to thank Col. Chip Brown and the 19th Air Wing for their support and the use of their assets. We couldn’t have done it without them. I also want to thank Col. Anthony Brusca and the 913th Airlift Group. They consistently support us. This win was truly a team effort, and our team represented themselves, the 913th Airlift Group, and the 19th Airlift Wing extremely well.”

As winners of the competition, the 96th APS gets the honor of taking home one of the most unique trophies in the military. The Top Dawg trophy is a life-size bronze sculpture of a bulldog on a wooden pedestal. The trophy will reside with the squadron until the next PDC in 2019.

“I’m extremely proud of what our team accomplished this week,” Sheridan said. “The team’s focus, passion, and commitment were evident on day one. We didn’t want to simply show up. We wanted to bring the Dawg back to Little Rock.”

Aerial Porters are transportation specialists who often refer to themselves as “Port Dawgs.” These Airmen provide military logistical functions to aerial ports, including processing personnel and cargo, loading equipment, preparing cargo and load plans, loading and securing aircraft, ejecting cargo for inflight delivery and supervising units engaged in aircraft loading and unloading operations.

The PDC is a Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command sponsored event with the purpose of identifying, refining, and incorporating observed procedures and techniques that improve wartime mission readiness, demonstrate air and space expeditionary forces mission capabilities, promoting professionalism among and providing recognition for aerial port personnel, while generating esprit de corps within the aerial port community.